(TOWNSHIP OF PERTH EAST, ON) On Tuesday October 23, 2012, the Perth County OPP was advised of a male and female going door to door trying to make water heater sales in Newton and other locations within the Township of Perth East.
One of the young sales persons advised a home owner that he was eligible for a free upgrade on his water heater. The sales person attempted to gain the resident’s trust by dropping his neighbour’s first name. The sales person also indicated that he was representing the Township of Perth East. These tactics appear to have been used to gain entry into the resident’s home.
The Township of Perth East CAO informed the Perth County OPP that they are not involved in water heater sales or upgrades, and that their workers have identification which clearly verifies them as being employees of the municipality.
The Perth County OPP is offering the following tips to help protect area residents from energy scams or high pressure sales people:
There’s no obligation to open your door to a stranger
Don’t feel obligated to allow strangers into your home
If the strangers say they represent an organization, check their ID and call the organization to verify that what you are being told is accurate.
You don’t have to provide a copy of your utility bills on demand
If you want them to leave, ask them to leave. If they refuse, call police
There’s no magic to preventing fraud. Remember to trust your instincts, not the stranger at the door.